Ministry

11132NAT Certificate III in Christian Leadership

Do you want to grow as a leader and make a difference in your school, church, and community?

The Certificate III in Christian Leadership is a nationally recognised course designed to help you strengthen your faith, build confidence, and develop the skills to lead and serve others.

Course Duration
1 year full time, up to 2 years part time
Study Modes
Online Recorded, Online Live, VETiS
Study Locations
Online, VETiS Partner Schools
Start Dates
Term 1 (Jan)(Start date is dependant on location and class cohort)
Fees
Please enquire about fees.
Subjects/Units
10

What is the 11132NAT Certificate III in Christian Leadership?

The Certificate III in Christian Leadership will help you understand the Bible, grow your faith, and develop practical leadership skills. You’ll learn to share your beliefs with others, work as part of a team, speak confidently to groups, and lead with integrity. Everything you learn can be applied straight away—whether you’re leading a small group at youth, serving in church, or helping with school events.

Who is this for?

Senior high school students (Year 11–12) who want to develop leadership skills

 

Students looking for a nationally recognised qualification alongside school studies.

 

Young people wanting to serve in church, youth group, or community projects

Outcomes

Completing this course can open doors to:

 

Youth leadership or volunteering in your church or community

 

Applying for specific ministry roles

 

Further study, such as Certificate IV in Ministry & Discipleship, Diploma of Ministry, or university-level courses

Course Structure

Subjects & Units

Core
5 Units
Identify and apply the foundations of Christian living NAT11132001

Understanding and living out the core beliefs of Christianity is the foundation of personal faith and effective ministry. This subject equips students to identify the essential tenets of the Christian faith, explore their biblical basis, and apply them in daily life. Learners will reflect on their walk with God, put biblical principles into practice, and develop habits that model authentic Christian living within their community.

Lead another in the foundations of Christianity NAT11132002

Guiding someone in the foundations of Christianity is a vital part of discipleship and leadership. This subject trains students to assess a person’s current understanding of the faith, create a personalised plan for teaching biblical foundations, and walk alongside them as they grow. Learners will practise sharing their faith story, modelling Christian living, and using interpersonal skills to encourage and support others. The unit also equips students to set measurable goals, provide constructive feedback, and celebrate progress as individuals take practical steps in living out their faith.

Determine and apply key themes in the Bible NAT11132003

Discovering the key themes of the Bible is essential for understanding God’s big story and living it out in everyday life. This subject trains students to read and interpret Scripture using a simple interpretive model, identify major biblical themes, and trace their development from the Old Testament to the New. Learners will create a personal plan to apply these themes practically, reflect on their effectiveness, and make adjustments for deeper growth. By engaging with the Bible in this way, students will strengthen their faith and be equipped to share its truths with others

Identify and apply the main doctrines of the church NAT11132004

Understanding the Church's central doctrines is essential for a strong, informed faith and effective ministry. This subject equips students to define key Christian teachings, explore their biblical foundations, and distinguish between dogma, doctrine, and opinion. Learners will compare how denominations interpret and apply these doctrines, reflect on how they influence personal faith, and develop practical ways to live them out. The unit also trains students to recommend and implement doctrine-based practices in church and community life, ensuring their leadership is grounded in biblical truth.

Invite people to become Christian disciples NAT11088004

Successfully inviting individuals to become Christian disciples is a profound and important skill that enriches individual lives and the community. This subject trains students in effectively preparing and delivering the Gospel with cultural sensitivity and contextual awareness. Learners will engage in real-world application, initiating conversations, applying active listening, and extending compelling invitations to faith.

Electives
5 Units
Choose 5 of the following units
Implement habits of character for living with integrity NAT11132014

Living with integrity requires character that consistently reflects biblical virtues in every area of life. This subject equips students to identify and understand habits that demonstrate good character, explore how these align with actions, and practice applying them in real situations. Learners will engage with Scripture, reflect on personal behaviour, and monitor habits over time to strengthen integrity. The unit also guides students in evaluating their growth and making intentional adjustments, helping them to become leaders whose lives inspire trust and reflect Christ-like character.

Prepare and preach a message NAT11132011

Preaching is a powerful way to share God’s truth and inspire others to live it out. This subject equips students to prepare well-structured, biblically grounded messages that connect with their audience. Learners will research topics, plan and write messages, and practice delivery using compelling voice and body language techniques. They will also gain experience preaching in authentic contexts, receiving and applying feedback to grow clarity, confidence, and impact. By the end of the unit, students will be equipped to communicate God’s Word with authenticity and relevance.

Identify and explain a theological concept NAT11132008

Exploring theological concepts deepens understanding of the Christian faith and equips leaders to communicate it today. This subject trains students to identify a theological concept, study its biblical foundation, and trace its historical development. Learners will compare perspectives, draw on Scripture and other sources, and translate complex theological ideas into everyday language. The unit also develops skills in answering questions and explaining the relevance of theology in contemporary contexts, enabling students to share the truth with clarity and confidence.

Work in a team BSBXTW301

Understanding how to function effectively within a ministry team is crucial for the church's mission. This subject equips students with the skills to identify and execute individual tasks while contributing positively to collective goals. The unit also focuses on enhancing students' ability to interact with team leaders and peers, helping to ensure productive and harmonious ministry dynamics.

Make presentations BSBCMM411

In this subject, students will gain practical skills in planning effective communication strategies, executing them with confidence, and evaluating their impact within the context of speaking from the platform in church services.

Work-Integrated Learning

Work-Integrated Learning may be undertaken through various Professional Practice and Professional Experience subjects at AC. These subjects seek to create a direct linkage between the learning, skills and values engaged in lectures, and the reflection which occurs when these are applied in real-life settings. These work-based training subjects comprise of instruction, academic assessment and a placement in a workplace for each subject.

Students are usually required to find their own workplace/ employer/ mentor to be approved by AC. In some cases, a new aspect within a student’s current paid employment may be suitable as a work placement.

More Information

For more information and details of previous course structures see Student Handbook.

*You can also use the Subject & Unit Search to explore the subjects (including electives) available to enrol in for this course and can filter by subject area and level.
For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.

Learning Outcomes

Foundational Leadership and Disciple Skills

This course aims to equip Christians to lead others, help them grow in their knowledge of the bible and their Christian faith, and equip them with tools to express and teach these things to others.

This course outlines the foundational discipleship skills, particularly within a Christian context. Discipleship is a common term used among Christian communities, referring to leading another in the ways of Christianity. These include:

– Evangelise

– Establish

– Equip

– Empower

General Education

This course is intended to provide participants with the following general education outcomes:

  • Identify the foundations of Christianity
  • Describe the key themes in the Bible
  • Identify the central doctrines of the Church
  • Lead another in the foundations of Christianity
  • Demonstrate effective evangelism principles

The course participants can implement the outcomes above in their local Church – either in a one-on-one context, or as part of or leading a group, such as a connect group, a bible study or an outreach group activity.

Admission Criteria

Entry Requirements

Personal or Vocational Ministry Experience

While there are no mandatory entry requirements, candidates must demonstrate potential to undertake this award, including personal or vocational experience in ministry.

How to Apply

  • Get Started

    Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

  • Apply

    It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 228 355.

  • Offer

    We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.

Key Dates
Semester 1
Term 1
February / March
Term 2
April
Semester 2
Term 3
July / August
Term 4
November